Nutrition

[haraba]

Hi,

The general advice to eat “healthy” for good cardiovascular function sounds sensible. eg less saturated fat and salt; more green vegetables; kale; spinach; berries eg blueberry; alcohol in moderation - especially red wines with resveratrol (antioxidant) eg Malbec etc. (In fact, alcohol in moderation may lower IOP, but high amounts damage the optic nerve! ); oily fish for omega-3 rather than omega-6.More fresh fruit including citrus fruits and peaches.

There also appears to be several vitamin products purporting to help minimise eye disease. B vitamins maybe helpful.

Any research or recommendations from anyone regarding nutrition and glaucoma ?

Not sure what to do apart from eating “healthily”, which I do already. Still happy to read more before spending money on vitamins or specific foods.

I know it is a huge topic !

Thanks.

[GardeningDorset123]

I do the above.I'm a vegetarian..but I have also reduced caffeine.. I read this is recommended in some advice

[haraba in reply to GardeningDorset123]

Hi,Thank you for your reply.

Do you take any vitamin supplements ?

Regarding caffeine, I have read that tea ( even if it has caffeine) is beneficial, but coffee is not ?

[GardeningDorset123 in reply to haraba]

I have one caffined tea..I take B3 and lutine

[muddledme]

Hello haraba,

Yes , I agree it is very important to have a good diet. I feel it may at least help prevent any other health problems as well as perhaps benefiting glaucoma.

I believe research at Moorfields about Vit B 3 begins this autumn, following some positive outcomes abroad.

A few months ago after a short period on B3,( 500 mg daily) my optician informed me that I had an optic disc bleed in each eye.

Although I have had numerous bleeds previous to surgery , these were the first since I received two Preserflo shunts about 18 months-2 years ago.

Reading about possible thinning of the blood as a side effect of this vitamin,I stopped it. The bleeds have not returned since. It obviously could be a coincidence . Although I contacted Moorfields they could not answer my doubts as they have yet to start their trial.

My optician has read about possible benefits of Co- Enzyme Q 10 , but he said there was nothing conclusive.

If I get to see an opthalmic doctor , which seems a rarity these days,I will ask more questions. Sometimes it is possible to ask questions at the Glaucoma UK digital webinars which are usually excellent.

Research is also often discussed in the charity's very informative regular "Insight" magazine.

Best wishes

[haraba in reply to muddledme]

Thank you for your thoughtful and interesting reply. I may hold off Vit B3 whilst I do some more research.If you get any answers to your queries, I am sure that would help many of us.

[muddledme in reply to haraba]

Yes, I will certainly post anything I discover about B3 and other potential benefits.

I tend to think that vitamins and minerals are usually better utilized in foods rather than in synthetic supplements, but probably some of us need extra amounts at times.

The herb thyme is supposed to be helpful and I grow lots in tubs as it is so easy. I just need to remember to use it !

This forum has helped me so much, as has the Glaucoma charity, but I find that I still would like to know much more.

Someone from a university is researching patients with Glaucoma soon, so I try and explain how things are with the NHS , hopefully it may help a little...and it always makes me feel better.

Best wishes

[haraba]

Hi again,

Any thoughts on the Vitabiotics supplement - Ultra Bilberry, Lutein & Zeaxanthin ? From what I have read, this supports retinal health. The last two ingredients are from the carotenoid family and are naturally found in a variety of vegetables and fruit.